CRR: Damian’s Full First Round Mock Draft

After an exciting and crazy 2016 College football season, it is now time for the NFL draft process to commence. Players are gauging their stock, training, and declaring for this year’s draft. The order for the top ten picks has been set. Wondering who your team will or should take? No worries that is why you have ME!!! I will break down the top ten draft picks for you!!

1. Cleveland (1-15)—Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M, Jr.2. San Francisco (2-14)—Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr. 3. Chicago (3-13)—Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame, rSo. 4. Jacksonville (3-13) — Jamal Adams, SS, LSU, Jr.5. Tennessee from L.A. Rams (4-12)—Jalen “Teez” Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr.6. N.Y. Jets (5-11) —Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio St., rSo.7. L.A. Chargers (5-11)—Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr.8. Carolina (6-10)—Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida St., Jr.9. Cincinnati (6-9-1)—Rueben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr.10. Buffalo (7-9)—Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina, rJr.11. New Orleans (7-9)—Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State., rSo.There is an issue in New Orleans, and that is DEFENSE!!! This pick must be on the defensive side of the ball. This defense ranked 31st in scoring defense per game (28.4), 32nd in passing yards allowed per game (274), and 27th in sacks in the league. Lattimore is the pick here; he will boost and solidify the three-man corner rotation. He also has the upside and skill-set of a number 1 corner, that would help due to Delvin Breaux having an injury history. Coverage can help the pass rush, and this is a needed pick for the Saints.

12. Cleveland from Philadelphia (7-9)—Marlon Humphrey, CB, rSo.The Browns went Myles number one overall to fix this defense, and now they go Mr. Humphrey now. The 6’1 200 lb. Corner has experience playing man and zone coverages. He is the physical corner that does not mind tackling in the run game. Marlon is best suited in zone coverage because his route recognition is top notch. He is versatile enough with his size to cover bigger receivers and speed to stick with faster receivers. Joe Haden has not been the same player for a few years now. Build for the future Cleveland and create a stingy defense.

13. Arizona (7-8-1)—OJ Howard, TE, Alabama, Sr.The Cardinals were assured their quarterback position w/Carson Palmer returning for the 2017 season. This team lost their second big bodied receiver Michael Floyd after releasing him for a DUI incident in 2016. The age-less wonder Larry Fitzgerald lead the team in reception and yards, while second was star running back David Johnson. That is not the ideal situation you would like to be in for an offense, insert OJ Howard. The 6’6 250 lb. would give Palmer a big, fast, and strong target in the middle of the field. He can take advantage of safeties, linebackers, and some corners. Jermaine Gresham and Darren Fells are definitely not the answers!!!

14. Indianapolis (8-8)—Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr.Andrew Luck has been internally praying for some form of help, and here it comes. Last year the leading rushers for the Colts were a 33-year-old Frank Gore and Andrew Luck. The selection of Fournette would give them a young stud running back to learn the pro game from a potential hall of famer. The former LSU back would provide a powerful runner that wears down defenses and forces an extra defender in the box and opens up the passing game. You’re welcome LUCK!!

15. Philadelphia (Minnesota)—Corey Davis, Wr, Cent Michigan, Sr.The Eagles drafted Carson Wentz to become their Franchise quarterback, but you must find him a number one receiver. Philly ranked 7th in the league in drops this season, and your leading receiver was your tight end. Corey gives Wentz that boundary receiver everyone thought Jordan Matthews would become. Davis is a smooth route runner, can play in the slot, and outside the number. With these two young players in the fold, the Eagles should be in good hands.

16. Baltimore (8-8)—Budda Baker, FS, Washington, Jr.The Ravens had one of the league’s best defenses this year, after bringing in veteran safety Eric Weddle to help a struggling secondary. Weddle is 32 years old and is losing speed as time passes. The selection of Baker gives this defense a burst of youth to pair with rookie corner Tavon Young. The former Washington bulldog has the range to cover deep, man coverage, and the intelligence to diagnose plays. He is an active participant in the run game. Budda Baker looks like a Baltimore Raven!!!

17. Washington (8-7-1)—Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St., Jr.Washington has one of the league’s worst defenses, ranking 28th in total yards allowed per game. With defensive end Chris Baker and impending free agent, adding Malik as a young replacement. Mcdowell reminds me of last year’s 7th overall pick DefForest Buckner, as a 3-4 end. Inserting the former Spartan would give them an athletic and strong defender that can hold his own vs. the run while providing an edge pass rush.

18. Tennessee (9-7)—John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr.The speedy receiver from UW is the best pick for the Titans. They are losing Kendall Wright to free agency and Ross can be an upgrade. Ross brings quick feet, precise route running, and long speed to an offense dedicated on running the ball. This team will have a young receiving core of Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and John Ross. The play action pass will be crucial for this team’s success in 2017!!

19. Tampa Bay (9-7)—Forrest Lamp, OG, West Kentucky, Sr.With no receiver on the board of value here, the Bucs grab the most versatile linemen in the draft. Forrest started four years at left tackle but is transitioning inside due to lack of length. He will provide a needed boost to the interior of this offensive line. Tampa has one of the best young signal callers in the league in Jameis Winston, and the best way to help him develop further is to protect him. Upgrading and strengthening their offensive line will help boost the 24th ranked run game. You can also move Lamp to center, and he will flourish also, this is a chess piece of an offensive lineman. Win the trenches Tampa!!!

20. Denver (9-7)—Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, rJr.A year ago today, the Denver Broncos were the newly crowned SB champions. The 2016 season was not as kind to the former champs. They missed the playoffs entirely and was not the same team from a year ago. Their biggest problem resided in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The offensive line ranked 24th in the league at season’s end. Insert Ramczyk at tackle to improve that ranking. This team offensively was a wreck this season, couldn’t run the ball or pass it consistently. Upgrading the offensive line is key to finding offensive consistency.

21. Detroit—Solomon Thomas, DE, Standford, rSo.This team showed they can contend in their division and win without Megatron. After a quick playoff exit, this team needs to attack a defense. Solomon Thomas is their guy!! The Lions ranked 31st in the league in sacks this season w/26. That is unacceptable when you are facing Aaron Rodgers twice a year!! Ezekiel Ansah saw a lot of protection slid his direction because they didn’t have another capable rusher. Thomas would instantly give them a versatile defender to pair with Ansah. The former Stanford Cardinal can play the run and rush the passer inside and out. Ezekiel, Help Is On the Way!!!

22. Miami—David Njoku, TE, Miami, rSo.This team did not have a tight end to catch 30+ passes, and that is uncommon. A quarterback’s best friend tends to be a capable tight end who effectively controls the middle of the field. They brought in Jordan Cameron, and that was a BROWN like fail!!! Njoku has the potential to be a young Vernon Davis; he is fast and athletic. The former Miami Hurricane will see a lot of single coverage early on because teams must respect the receiving trio of Landry, Stills, and Parker. Somewhere Ryan Tannehill is smiling!!!

23. N.Y. Giants (11-5)—Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan, Sr.The Giants spent over 200 million dollars attempting to retool their defense, and it worked!! Now their best pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent, and you need a young, explosive pass rusher to replace him. Taco has the frame (6’6 273) to set the edge in the run game. This defense does not miss a beat with this pick.

24. Oakland (12-4)—Sidney Jones, CB, Washington, Jr.The Raiders were one of the best overall teams this season. Besides the injury that ended star QB Derek Carr’s season, their defense was ultimately their biggest problem. This defense ranked 24th in passing yards allowed; the Sean Smith project did not go as planned. Drafting stud corner Sidney Jones gives them a younger and faster corner for the future. He can be their chess piece allowing him to cover the better athletic receivers alongside David Amerson, and possibly use Smith to cover tight ends or bigger receivers.

25. Houston (9-7)—Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU, Jr.This defense was one of the best in the league last season; it takes a step closer to becoming dominate. Pending the resigning of stud corner AJ Bouye, adding White gives them a 4-man unit. The former LSU Tiger was left out on an island in college because of his elite man to man coverage skills. He has reps from playing in the slot as well, and that is a plus. He can come in and play primarily from the slot or on the outside. Especially with quarterbacks like Andrews Luck and Marcus Mariota in their division, this pick will pay dividends. The best offense is defense nine times out of ten!!!

26. Seattle (10-5-1) —Garett Bolles, OT, Utah, Jr.Russell Wilson is one of the league’s better quarterbacks; he can beat you with his arms and legs. The problem last year was he played behind the league’s 32nd ranked offensive line (https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-this-season). When your center is receiving the top overall, pass, and run blocking grade that is a red flag. This group ranked bottom 10 in sacks allowed per game with 42, and that is a horrible stat for a team trying to protect their star QB. Bolles is one of the more athletic offensive lineman that I’ve seen, he has great footwork for a tackle. He moves very well and smooth vs. rushers. Russell needs to protection, and with Bolles mean streak it should help the running backs as well.

27. Kansas City (12-4)—Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson, Jr.GOODBYE Alex Smith!!! This pick is one of the more needed picks in the draft because Smith is holding back this team. He is a game manager at best and has weapons to be successful. He missed two big throws to Tyreek Hill that would’ve changed the outcome vs. the Steelers. Watson has the arm talent, athleticism, and potential to be a legit weapon at quarterback. He is a winner and leader that you want at the quarterback position. Time for a change Andy!!!

28. Dallas (13-3)—Charles Harris, DE, Missouri, Jr.The Cowboys were close to the NFC championship game; they are one of the favorites to win it all this year. In order for that to take place, this team needs to upgrade an average defense. While they ranked 13th in the league in sacks, they did not have a true pass rush. Against Aaron Rodgers, they dialed up the blitz a bit that game. Randy Gregory has not reliable just yet, grabbing Harris is the right choice. The Missouri defender brings a pass rusher that can beat you with quickness and has a counter spin to add. He will bring an upgrade to their pass rush.

29. Green Bay (10-6)—Christian Mccaffery, RB, Stanford, Jr.The Packers offense was inconsistent this past season, both running backs Eddie Lacy and James Stark went down. That forced receiver converted back Ty Montgomery to carry the “load”. Ty had some success, but he is not a conventional back. Mccaffery is a better runner, and he gives the same receiving ability out of the backfield. He also is a good return man as well, and he is a mismatch problem. The former Stanford Cardinal can be a big weapon for the beast we call Arod!!!

30. Pittsburgh (11-5)—Takkarist Mckinley, OLB, UCLA, Sr.The Steelers won their division and reached the AFC championship with a young, fast, up and coming defense. This pick brings more speed, youth, and athleticism to their defense. Having the wise old man in James Harrison is alright, but adding McKinley will provide a young pass rushing presence. He is a freakish athlete that has great speed coming off the edge. The Steelers run a 3-4 defense, and that is the best fit for Takkarist.

31. Atlanta (11-5)—Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn, Jr.The Super Bowl runner-up Atlanta Falcons had a great season until they became the Golden State Falcons and blew a 28-3 lead. Their young inexperienced defense showcased their potential in the first 3 ½ quarter’s vs. Tom Brady in the SB. They were shallow in defensive line depth, and a lack of rotation eventually doomed them. Carl is an explosive pass rusher. Adding Carl to this already fast athletic defense helps create more of a rotation and single blocking assignments. With him across from stud rusher Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett inside, look out quarterbacks.

32. New England (14-2)—Hasson Reddick, OLB, Temple, Sr.The Super Bowl champions New England Patriots are all in for the “Blitz For Six”. They have to retool their team in order to complete that mission. After trading two of their better defenders in Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins, selecting Reddick is the best option here. Teaming the former Temple Owl with stud linebacker Dont’a Hightower would give him an aggressive,athletic combo. Reddick is a quick-twitch athlete that is a dynamic playmaker in space. He can rush the passer, blitz, and drop into zone. Another stud LB for Bill? I say YES!!